My First Malawi Tank

[mark34]

hi this is my first malawi tank and am loving it got some big slate sheets coming soon

was just thinking about stocking lvls the guy at MD said i want about 50 fish for my tank ??

thinking about when the fish get bigger 50 just sounds very high !

its 480ltr tank see photo below

so many many fish do you think would be best stocking lvls for my tank ?

have 12 malawi in my tank at the min !

 

[Kelly-Jo]

That's a really really nice setup!

 

[mark34]

THANK YOU

how many fish to stock please ?
some more photo

 

[GavinB]

When stocking cichlids its usually a good idea to "overstock" as it minimises aggression.

However, before going down this route you will want to consider buying a decent extenal filter or two for your tank to ensure the water is WELL filtered.

I would estimate the correct amount of cichlids for your tank would be around the 40-50 mark but keep in mind what type you are buying and the size they get to BEFORE purchasing.

 

[Kelly-Jo]

I was just going to mention the overstocking thing but you beat me to it

That definitely is the advice that I've come across most often; I guess it just means that it makes it more difficult for an individual or a small group of cichlids to dominate the tank.

 

[mark34]

I know about over stocking its just that 50 sound very high !

my filters are a APS 2000+el + APS 1000 + Fluval 2 "Plus" total filtering 3090lph at min

replacment for the fluval 2

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/INTERNAL-FILTER-1500L-H-FISH-TANK-MULTI-FUNCTION-83-/160554016899?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item2561c3e083#ht_4992wt_1054

tank filter LPH will be 4500lph when my order get heres

 

[GavinB]

It's physically IMPOSSIBLE to over-filter. Just make sure the output flow is sufficiently even across the interior of the tank otherwise you will end up with fish stuck in one corner or against a rock because the current holds them there.

 

[roofer no1]

Hi the the tank looks lovley by the way over stocking is a good way to stop agression. But that many fish will be hard to keep an eye on. I have a mbuna tank which is over stocked due to agression which has lots of slate the cichlids love the slate for breeding becuse its flat and im lossing lots of fry. Whenever they mate the last time i lost all but two fry and the mother.